Ardusse FW22: moments in time

Ardusse is the cross between Arcadia and Jeunesse. "I have always been very inspired by classical literature and its myths, particularly that of the mystical land Arcadia where men and nature were at peace, almost a paradise," comments Gaetano Colucci, founder of the brand. With Ardusse he wants to create his own Arcadia based on his personal aesthetic and vision. "With Ardusse I want to show how strength, sensuality or conventional masculinity, can be found in feminine colours or silhouettes, exuding confidence." 

Knitwear is at the heart of every collection "I do a lot of research when it comes to knitting stitches, stitches and techniques [...] something about the textures, colours and feel of knitwear for me tells a story. So, for example, if I'm inspired by the 1970s, you'll definitely find a stitch used in those years, but reimagined to better fit my vision. I take a lot from the past and from the experience of Italian knitwear". The new Ardusse collection takes its idyllic spirit and romantic sensibility to harder, sexier ground. However, the Ardusse man remains gentle, with an evolved wardrobe that reflects this new vision of life.

Autobiography is the way Gaetano Colucci approaches the design of each collection. His experiences as a young man in the making inform the outcome of Ardusse, giving it authenticity. A trip to Iceland sparked the idea of putting romance, so to speak, to the elements. "Ardusse wants to revive that place of comfort, of beauty, through garments that represent that idyllic place," comments Gaetano: "With Ardusse I don't imagine a specific place, I've always wanted to tell a story with each collection [...] as long as your vision remains young and new, you can continue to make art that is in the moment, or that maybe means something because it was of the moment, and that's what fashion for me is".

Aware and seductive, a new interpretation of delicate masculinity materialises in a palette of solid, muddy tones - black, brown, grey, cream - with accents of mauve. Arcadia finally becomes a real place in which to live, take risks, wander and finally live in the moment.